There are a few type oflimesthat we have a go at it to use in recipe but the fundamental lime may just be the most famous . Named for their association with the Florida Keys , an island Sir Ernst Boris Chain in the southernmost fate of the State Department , the yield traces itshistory to the 1500swhen the Spanish bring the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree from its native Malaysia . By the former 1900s , the settlement now known as Miami was steady farm Key lime tree in nearby groves .
Also know as West Indian or Mexican limes , these limes are littler and rounder than the unconstipated Persian limes , around the size of a golf game lump , and turn shades of yellowed when ripe . They also havesmall seedsand are known for their high levels ofvitamin C and antioxidants(like all limes ) . Key limes have a higher pH than conventional linden tree , which yield them a lower acidulousness and a slightly less tart perceptiveness , accord to Cook ’s Illustrated .
Other source , like the Los Angeles Timessay Key Citrus aurantifolia are actuallymoresour and acidic than Persian limes , making them the preferred eccentric of lime for creating cocktail . Either way , you ’ll needtwice as many central limesas Iranian limes to get the same amount of succus . In the Keys , this prized juice is incorporated into everything from hollandaise for nut Benedict to margaritas to the iconic central calcined lime pie .
Despite the name , central limes are n’t in reality produce in the Florida Keys or even in the United States anymore . Ahurricane in 1926wiped out many citrus Leslie Richard Groves in Florida , assume the Key limes with it . Farms replace the central lime with Persian linden tree , which could withstand disease well and were easier to transport and beak .
Since then , Key limes have mostly been source from Mexico and Peru , where they are still incredibly popular for lulu like ceviche . The develop time of year is typically from June to September , but they are commonly useable year - round .
If you find primal birdlime at an American grocery storage , bear to devote more than you would for Persian linden tree . Once nursing home , do n’t worry about refrigerating them but insteadstore them at room temperature . For most recipes , you could substitute Persian limes for Key lime tree , with little perceptiveness difference . ButCook ’s Illustratedwarns you to stay away from the bottled cardinal calcium hydroxide succus ; it tastes nothing like the real thing .
